Starving animals seized from Mine Run farm

Orange County authorities have seized a herd of horses and three dogs from the property of Mine Run resident Nancy Sorrell Mackall after being alerted that the horses were malnourished, and that a number of horses had died and their carcasses were lying in the field.

According to Orange County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tim Murphy, after a neighbor reported concern for animals on Mackall’s property, animal control officers arrived at the farm to discover a grisly scene. Murphy said there were a total of 20 horses on the farm. While 10 of those horses were “in fair condition,“ turned out on pasture with access to water and adequate grazing, another 10 “were in dire need of assistance.“

In addition, Murphy said animal control officers discovered dogs which had been confined to crates without care, and a horse that had been confined inside a gooseneck trailer.

“The evidence was that he’d been in there quite a while,“ Murphy said.

Disturbingly, Murphy said authorities found 20 dead horses on Mackall’s property in “various states of decomposition.“
Mackall was in Orange County General District Court Aug. 12 for a civil proceeding related to the animals seized from her property. In court Wednesday, Orange County Commonwealth’s Attorney Diana Wheeler said animal control officers seized 10 horses and three dogs from the property.

Mackall also faces 20 counts of failing to bury or cremate animals, and 10 counts of animal cruelty. Both offenses are misdemeanors. If found guilty, Nancy Mackall could face steep fines and even jail time. She is due in court Aug. 21 for a hearing.

Mackall, who is being represented by her uncle, Fairfax attorney Douglas Mackall, told General District Court Judge Edward Carpenter that as part of his client’s agreement with the commonwealth’s attorney, ownership of all of the horses and likewise two of the three dogs, would be permanently surrendered. Per the agreement, custody must be relinquished within 45 days and Mackall is forbidden to own animals-apart from one of the dogs-for two years.

“We’re just going to get rid of those horses except for one,“ Douglas Mackall said in court. Douglas Mackall will become legal owner of one of the horses that belonged to his niece prior to the seizure. Nancy Mackall is responsible for reimbursing the sheriff’s office for veterinary, transportation and boarding expenses on the seized animals.

“The horses that were seized will remain in our custody,“ Orange County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Patricia Dahl explained.

Currently, one horse is being cared for at the Orange County Animal Shelter; the rest of those seized by animal control are in foster homes, until permanent suitable homes can be found.